Thetoneinwhichthiswassaidadmittingofnothingmore，Mr。
Chickrelapsedintolowspiritsandsilence。NotsoMissTox，who，havinglistenedtoMr。Dombeywithevenamoreemphaticattentionthanusual，andwithamoreexpressivetendencyofherheadtooneside，nowleantacrossthetable，andsaidtoMrs。Chicksoftly：
`Louisa！'
`Mydear，'saidMrs。Chick。
`Onerousnatureofourpositioninpublicmay——Ihaveforgottentheexactterm。'
`Exposehimto，'saidMrs。Chick。
`Pardonme，mydear，'returnedMissTox，`Ithinknot。Itwasmoreroundedandflowing。Obligingdispositionofrelationsandfriendsinprivate，oronerousnatureofpositioninpublic——may——imposeuponhim！'
`Imposeuponhim，tobesure，'saidMrs。Chick。
Misstoxstruckherdelicatehandstogetherlightly，intriumph；
andadded，castinguphereyes，`eloquenceindeed！'
Mr。Dombey，inthemeanwhile，hadissuedordersfortheattendanceofRichards，whonowenteredcurtseying，butwithoutthebaby；Paulbeingasleepafterthefatiguesofthemorning。Mr。Dombey，havingdeliveredaglassofwinetothisvassal，addressedherinthefollowingwords：MissToxpreviouslysettlingherheadononeside，andmakingotherlittlearrangementsforengravingthemonherheart。
`Duringthesixmonthsorso，Richards，whichhaveseenyouaninmateofthishouse，youhavedoneyourduty。Desiringtoconnectsomelittleservicetoyouwiththisoccasion，IconsideredhowIcouldbesteffectthatobject，andIalsoadvisedwithmysister，Mrs——'
`Chick，'interposedthegentlemanofthatname。
`Oh，hushifyouplease！'saidMissTox。
`Iwasabouttosaytoyou，Richards，'resumedMr。Dombey，withanappallingglanceatMr。John，`thatIwasfurtherassistedinmydecision，bytherecollectionofaconversationIheldwithyourhusbandinthisroom，ontheoccasionofyourbeinghired，whenhedisclosedtomethemelancholyfactthatyourfamily，himselfatthehead，weresunkandsteepedinignorance。'
Richardsquailedunderthemagnificenceofthereproof。
`Iamfarfrombeingfriendly，'pursuedMr。Dombey，`towhatiscalledbypersonsoflevellingsentiments，generaleducation。Butitisnecessarythattheinferiorclassesshouldcontinuetobetaughttoknowtheirposition，andtoconductthemselvesproperly。SofarIapproveofschools。Havingthepowerofnominatingachildonthefoundationofanancientestablishment，called(fromaworshipfulcompany)theCharitableGrinders；wherenotonlyisawholesomeeducationbestoweduponthescholars，butwhereadressandbadgeislikewiseprovidedforthem；Ihave(firstcommunicating，throughMrs。chick，withyourfamily)nominatedyoureldestsontoanexistingvacancy；andhehasthisday，Iaminformed，assumedthehabit。Thenumberofherson，Ibelieve，'saidMr。Dombey，turningtohissisterandspeakingofthechildasifhewereahackney-coach，`isonehundredandforty-seven。Louisa，youcantellher。'
`Onehundredandforty-seven，'saidMrs。Chick。`Thedress，Richards，isanice，warm，bluebaizetailedcoatandcap，turnedupwithorange-colouredbinding；redworstedstockings；andverystrongleathersmall-clothes。
Onemightwearthearticlesone's-self，'saidMrs。Chick，withenthusiasm，`andbegrateful。'
`There，Richards！'saidMissTox。`Now，indeed，youmaybeproud。TheCharitableGrinders！'
`IamsureIamverymuchobliged，Sir，'returnedRichardsfaintly，`andtakeitverykindthatyoushouldremembermylittleones。'AtthesametimeavisionofBilerasacharitableGrinder，withhisverysmalllegsencasedintheserviceableclothingdescribedbyMrs。Chick，swambeforeRichards'seyes，andmadethemwater。
`Iamverygladtoseeyouhavesomuchfeeling，Richards，'saidMissTox。
`Itmakesonealmosthope，itreallydoes，'saidMrs。Chick，whopridedherselfontakingtrustfulviewsofhumannature，`thattheremayyetbesomefaintsparkofgratitudeandrightfeelingintheworld。'
Richardsdeferredtothesecomplimentsbycurtseyingandmurmuringherthanks；butfindingitquiteimpossibletorecoverherspiritsfromthedisorderintowhichtheyhadbeenthrownbytheimageofhersoninhisprecociousnethergarments，shegraduallyapproachedthedoorandwasheartilyrelievedtoescapebyit。
Suchtemporaryindicationsofapartialthawthathadappearedwithher，vanishedwithher；andthefrostsetinagain，ascoldandhardasever。Mr。Chickwastwiceheardtohumatuneatthebottomofthetable，butonbothoccasionsitwasafragmentoftheDeadMarchinSaul。Thepartyseemedtogetcolderandcolder，andtobegraduallyresolvingitselfintoacongealedandsolidstate，likethecollationroundwhichitwasassembled。AtlengthMrs。ChicklookedatMissTox，andMissToxreturnedthelook，andtheybothroseandsaiditwasreallytimetogo。Mr。Dombeyreceivingthisannouncementwithperfectequanimity，theytookleaveofthatgentleman，andpresentlydepartedundertheprotectionofMr。Chick；
who，whentheyhadturnedtheirbacksuponthehouseandleftitsmasterinhisusualsolitarystate，puthishandsinhispockets，threwhimselfbackinthecarriage，andwhistled`Withaheyhochevy！'allthrough；
conveyingintohisfaceashedidso，anexpressionofsuchgloomyandterribledefiance，thatMrs。Chickdarednotprotest，orinanywaymolesthim。
Richards，thoughshehadlittlePaulonherlap，couldnotforgetherownfirst-born。Shefeltitwasungrateful；buttheinfluenceofthedayfellevenontheCharitableGrinders，andshecouldhardlyhelpregardinghispewterbadge，numberonehundredandforty-seven，as，somehow，apartofitsformalityandsternness。Shespoke，too，inthenursery，ofhis`blessedlegs，'andwasagaintroubledbyhisspectreinuniform。
`Idon'tknowwhatIwouldn'tgive，'saidPolly，`toseethepoorlittledearbeforehegetsusedto'em。'
`Why，then，Itellyouwhat，Mrs。Richards，'retortedNipper，whohadbeenadmittedtoherconfidence，`seehimandmakeyourmindeasy。'
`Mr。Dombeywouldn'tlikeit，'saidPolly。
`Oh，wouldn'the，Mrs。Richards！'retortedNipper，`he'dlikeitverymuch，Ithink，whenhewasasked。'
`Youwouldn'taskhim，Isuppose，atall？'saidPolly。
`No，Mrs。Richards，quitecontrairy，'returnedSusan，`andthemtowinspectorsToxandChick，notintendingtobeondutyto-morrow，asIheard'emsay，meandMissFloywillgoalongwithyouto-morrowmorning，andwelcome，Mrs。Richards，ifyoulike，forwemayaswellwalkthere，asupanddownastreet，andbettertoo。'
Pollyrejectedtheideaprettystoutlyatfirst；butbylittleandlittleshebegantoentertainit，assheentertainedmoreandmoredistinctlytheforbiddenpicturesofherchildren，andherownhome。Atlength，arguingthattherecouldbenogreatharmincallingforamomentatthedoor，sheyieldedtotheNipperproposition。
Thematterbeingsettledthus，littlePaulbegantocrymostpiteously，asifhehadaforebodingthatnogoodwouldcomeofit。
`What'sthematterwiththechild？'askedSusan。
`He'scold，Ithink，'saidPolly，walkingwithhimtoandfro，andhushinghim。
Itwasableakautumnalafternoonindeed；andasshewalked，andhushed，and，glancingthroughthedrearywindown，pressedthelittlefellowclosertoherbreast，thewitheredleavescameshoweringdown。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter6[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVIPaul'sSecondDeprivationPOLLYwasbesetbysomanymisgivingsinthemorning，thatbutfortheincessantpromptingsofherblack-eyedcompanion，shewouldhaveabandonedallthoughtsoftheexpedition，andformallypetitionedforleavetoseenumberonehundredandforty-seven，undertheawfulshadowofMr。Dombey'sroof。ButSusanwhowaspersonallydisposedinfavouroftheexcursion，andwho(likeTonyLumpkin)，ifshecouldbearthedisappointmentsofotherpeoplewithtolerablefortitude，couldnotabidetodisappointherself，threwsomanyingeniousdoubtsinthewayofthissecondthought，andstimulatedtheoriginalintentionwithsomanyingeniousarguments，thatalmostassoonasMr。Dombey'sstatelybackwasturned，andthatgentlemanwaspursuinghisdailyroadtowardstheCity，hisunconscioussonwasonhiswaytoStaggs'sGardens。
Thiseuphoniouslocalitywassituatedinasuburb，knownbytheinhabitantsofStaggs'sGardensbythenameofCamberlingTown；adesignationwhichtheStrangers'MapofLondon，asprinted(withaviewtopleasantandcommodiousreference)onpocket-handkerchiefs，condenses，withsomeshowofreason，intoCamdenTown。Hitherthetwonursesbenttheirsteps，accompaniedbytheircharges；RichardscarryingPaul，ofcourse，andSusanleadinglittleFlorencebythehand，andgivinghersuchjerksandpokesfromtimetotime，assheconsidereditwholesometoadminister。
Thefirstshockofagreatearthquakehad，justatthatperiod，rentthewholeneighbourhoodtoitscentre。Tracesofitscoursewerevisibleoneveryside。Houseswereknockeddown；streetsbrokenthroughandstopped；
deeppitsandtrenchesdugintheground；enormousheapsofearthandclaythrownup；buildingsthatwereunderminedandshaking，proppedbygreatbeamsofwood。Here，achaosofcarts，overthrownandjumbledtogether，laytopsy-turvyatthebottomofasteepunnaturalhill；there，confusedtreasuresofironsoakedandrustedinsomethingthathadaccidentallybecomeapond。Everywherewerebridgesthatlednowhere；thoroughfaresthatwerewhollyimpassable；Babeltowersofchimneys，wantinghalftheirheight；temporarywoodenhousesandenclosures，inthemostunlikelysituations；
carcasesofraggedtenements，andfragmentsofunfinishedwallsandarches，andpilesofscaffolding，andwildernessesofbricks，andgiantformsofcranes，andtripodsstraddlingabovenothing。Therewereahundredthousandshapesandsubstancesofincompleteness，wildlymingledoutoftheirplaces，upsidedown，burrowingintheearth，aspiringintheair，moulderinginthewater，andunintelligibleasanydream。Hotspringsandfieryeruptions，theusualattendantsuponearthquakes，lenttheircontributionsofconfusiontothescene。Boilingwaterhissedandheavedwithindilapidatedwalls；
whence，also，theglareandroarofflamescameissuingforth；andmoundsofashesblockeduprightsofway，andwhollychangedthelawandcustomoftheneighbourhood。
Inshort，theyetunfinishedandunopenedRailroadwasinprogress；
and，fromtheverycoreofallthisdiredisorder，trailedsmoothlyaway，uponitsmightycourseofcivilisationandimprovement。
Butasyet，theneighbourhoodwasshytoowntheRailroad。Oneortwoboldspeculatorshadprojectedstreets；andonehadbuiltalittle，buthadstoppedamongthemudandashestoconsiderfartherofit。Abran-newTavern，redolentoffreshmortarandsize，andfrontingnothingatall，hadtakenforitssignTheRailwayArms；butthatmightberashenterprise——andthenithopedtoselldrinktotheworkmen。So，theExcavators'HouseofCallhadsprungupfromabeer-shop；andtheold-establishedHamandBeefShophadbecometheRailwayEatingHouse，witharoastlegofporkdaily，throughinterestedmotivesofasimilarimmediateandpopulardescription。
Lodging-housekeeperswerefavourableinlikemanner；andforthelikereasonswerenottobetrusted。Thegeneralbeliefwasveryslow。Therewerefrowzyfields，andcow-houses，anddunghills，anddustheaps，andditches，andgardens，andsummer-houses，andcarpet-beatinggrounds，attheverydooroftheRailway。Littletumuliofoystershellsintheoysterseason，andoflobstershellsinthelobsterseason，andofbrokencrockeryandfadedcabbageleavesinallseasons，encroacheduponitshighplaces。Posts，andrails，andoldcautionstotrespassers，andbacksofmeanhouses，andpatchesofwretchedvegetation，stareditoutofcountenance。Nothingwasthebetterforit，orthoughtofbeingso。Ifthemiserablewastegroundlyingnearitcouldhavelaughed，itwouldhavelaughedittoscorn，likemanyofthemiserableneighbours。
Staggs'sGardenswasuncommonlyincredulous。Itwasalittlerowofhouses，withlittlesqualidpatchesofgroundbeforethem，fencedoffwitholddoors，barrelstaves，scrapsoftarpaulin，anddeadbushes；withbottomlesstinkettlesandexhaustedironfenders，thrustintothegaps。
Here，theStaggs'sGardenerstrainedscarletbeans，keptfowlsandrabbits，erectedrottensummer-houses(onewasanoldboat)，driedclothes，andsmokedpipes。SomewereofopinionthatStaggs'sGardensderiveditsnamefromadeceasedcapitalist，oneMr。Staggs，whohadbuiltitforhisdelectation。
Others，whohadanaturaltasteforthecountry，heldthatitdatedfromthoseruraltimeswhentheantleredherd，underthefamiliardenominationofStaggses，hadresortedtoitsshadyprecincts。Bethisasitmay，Staggs'sGardenswasregardedbyitspopulationasasacredgrovenottobewitheredbyrailroads；andsoconfidentweretheygenerallyofitslongoutlivinganysuchridiculousinventions，thatthemasterchimney-sweeperatthecorner，whowasunderstoodtotaketheleadinthelocalpoliticsoftheGardens，hadpubliclydeclaredthatontheoccasionoftheRailroadopening，ifeveritdidopen，twoofhisboysshouldascendthefluesofhisdwelling，withinstructionstohailthefailurewithderisivejeersfromthechimney-pots。
Tothisunhallowedspot，theverynameofwhichhadhithertobeencarefullyconcealedfromMr。Dombeybyhissister，waslittlePaulnowbornebyFateandRichards。
`That'smyhouse，Susan，'saidPolly，pointingitout。
`Isit，indeed，Mrs。Richards？'saidSusan，condescendingly。
`Andthere'smysisterJemimaatthedoor，Idodeclare！'criedPolly，`withmyownsweetpreciousbabyinherarms！'
ThesightaddedsuchanextensivepairofwingstoPolly'simpatience，thatshesetoffdowntheGardensatarun，andbouncingonJemima，changedbabieswithherinatwinkling；totheutterastonishmentofthatyoungdamsel，onwhomtheheiroftheDombeysseemedtohavefallenfromtheclouds。
`Why，Polly！'criedJemima。`You！whataturnyouhavegivenme！who'dhavethoughtit！comealonginPolly！Howwellyoudolooktobesure！ThechildrenwillgohalfwildtoseeyouPolly，thattheywill。'
Thattheydid，ifonemightjudgefromthenoisetheymade，andthewayinwhichtheydashedatPollyanddraggedhertoalowchairinthechimneycorner，whereherownhonestapplefacebecameimmediatelythecentreofabunchofsmallerpippins，alllayingtheirrosycheeksclosetoit，andallevidentlythegrowthofthesametree。AstoPolly，shewasfullasnoisyandvehementasthechildren；anditwasnotuntilshewasquiteoutofbreath，andherhairwashangingallaboutherflushedface，andhernewchristeningattirewasverymuchdishevelled，thatanypausetookplaceintheconfusion。Eventhen，thesmallestToodlebutoneremainedinherlap，holdingontightwithbotharmsroundherneck；whilethesmallestToodlebuttwomountedonthebackofthechair，andmadedesperateefforts，withonelegintheair，tokissherroundthecorner。
`Look！there'saprettylittleladycometoseeyou，'saidPolly；
`andseehowquietsheis！whatabeautifullittlelady，ain'tshe？'
ThisreferencetoFlorence，whohadbeenstandingbythedoornotunobservantofwhatpassed，directedtheattentionoftheyoungerbranchestowardsher；andhadlikewisethehappyeffectofleadingtotheformalrecognitionofMissNipper，whowasnotquitefreefromamisgivingthatshehadbeenalreadyslighted。
`Ohdocomeinandsitdownaminute，Susan，please，'saidPolly。
`ThisismysisterJemima，thisis。Jemima，Idon'tknowwhatIshouldeverdowithmyself，ifitwasn'tforSusanNipper；Ishouldn'tbeherenowbutforher。'
`Ohdositdown，MissNipper，ifyouplease，'quothJemima。
Susantooktheextremecornerofachair，withastatelyandceremoniousaspect。
`Ineverwassogladtoseeanybodyinallmylife；nowreallyIneverwas，MissNipper，'saidJemima。
Susanrelaxing，tookalittlemoreofthechair，andsmiledgraciously。
`Dountieyourbonnet-strings，andmakeyourselfathome，MissNipper，please，'entreatedJemima。`Iamafraidit'sapoorerplacethanyou'reusedto；butyoy'llmakeallowances，I'msure。'
Theblack-eyedwassosoftenedbythisdeferentialbehaviour，thatshecaughtuplittleMissToodlewhowasrunningpast，andtookhertoBanburyCrossimmediately。
`Butwhere'smyprettyboy？'saidPolly。`Mypoorfellow？Icameallthiswaytoseehiminhisnewclothes。'
`Ahwhatapity！'criedJemima。`He'llbreakhisheart，whenhehearshismotherhasbeenhere。He'satschool，Polly。'
`Gonealready！'
`Yes。Hewentforthefirsttimeyesterday，forfearheshouldloseanylearning。Butit'shalf-holding，Polly：ifyoucouldonlystoptillhecomeshome——youandMissNipper，least-ways，'saidJemima，mindfulingoodtimeofthedignityoftheblack-eyed。
`Andhowdoeshelook，Jemima，blesshim！'falteredPolly。
`Well，reallyhedon'tlooksobadasyou'dsuppose，'returnedJemima。
`Ah！'saidPolly，withemotion，`Iknewhislegsmustbetooshort。'
`Hislegsisshort，'returnedJemima；`especiallybehind；
butthey'llgetlonger，Polly，everyday。'
Itwasaslow，prospectivekindofconsolation；butthecheerfulnessandgoodnaturewithwhichitwasadministered，gaveitavalueitdidnotintrinsicallypossess。Afteramoment'ssilence，Pollyasked，inamoresprightlymanner：
`Andwhere'sFather，Jemimadear？'——forbythatpatriarchalappellation，Mr。Toodlewasgenerallyknowninthefamily。
`Thereagain！'saidJemima。`Whatapity！Fathertookhisdinnerwithhimthismorning，andisn'tcominghometillnight。Buthe'salwaystalkingofyou，Polly，andtellingthechildrenaboutyou；andisthepeaceablest，patientest，best-temperedstsoulintheworld，ashealwayswasandwillbe！'
`Thankee，Jemima，'criedthesimplePolly；delightedbythespeech，anddisappointedbytheabsence。
`Ohyouneedn'tthankme，Polly，'saidhersister，givingherasoundkissuponthecheek，andthendancinglittlePaulcheerfully。`I
saythesameofyousometimes，andthinkittoo。'
Inspiteofthedoubledisappointment，itwasimpossibletoregardinthelightofafailureavisitwhichwasgreetedwithsuchareception；
sothesisterstalkedhopefullyaboutfamilymatters，andaboutBiler，andaboutallhisbrothersandsisters：whiletheblack-eyed，havingperformedseveraljourneystoBanburyCrossandback，tooksharpnoteofthefurniture，theDutchclock，thecupboard，thecastleonthemantel-piecewithredandgreenwindowsinit，susceptibleofilluminationbyacandle-endwithin；
andthepairofsmallblackvelvetkittens，eachwithalady'sreticuleinitsmouth；regardedbytheStaggs'sGardenersasprodigiesofimitativeart。Theconversationsoonbecominggenerallesttheblack-eyedshouldgooffatscoreandturnsarcastic，thatyoungladyrelatedtoJemimaasummaryofeverythingsheknewconcerningMr。Dombey，hisprospects，family，pursuits，andcharacter。Alsoanexactinventoryofherpersonalwardrobe，andsomeaccountofherprincipalrelationsandfriends。Havingrelievedhermindofthesedisclosures，shepartookofshrimpsandporter，andevincedadispositiontosweareternalfriendship。
LittleFlorenceherselfwasnotbehind-handinimprovingtheoccasion：
for，beingconductedforthbyyoungToodlestoinspectsometoad-stoolsandothercuriositiesoftheGardens，sheenteredwiththem，heartandsoul，ontheformationofatemporarybreakwateracrossasmallgreenpoolthathadcollectedinacorner。Shewasstillbusilyengagedinthatlabour，whensoughtandfoundbySusan；who，suchwashersenseofduty，evenunderthehumanizinginfluenceofshrimps，deliveredamoraladdresstoher(punctuatedwiththumps)onherdegeneratenature，whilewashingherfaceandhands；
andpredictedthatshewouldbringthegreyhairsofherfamilyingeneral，withsorrowtothegrave。Aftersomedelay，occasionedbyaprettylongconfidentialinterviewabovestairsonpecuniarysubjects，betweenPollyandJemima，aninterchangeofbabieswasagaineffected——forPollyhadallthistimeretainedherownchild，andJemimalittlePaul——andthevisitorstookleave。
ButfirsttheyoungToodles，victimsofapiousfraud，weredeludedintorepairinginabodytoachandler'sshopintheneighbourhood，fortheostensiblepurposeofspendingapenny；andwhenthecoastwasquiteclear，Pollyfled；JemimacallingafterherthatiftheycouldonlygoroundtowardstheCityRoadontheirwayback，theywouldbesuretomeetlittleBilercomingfromschool。
`Doyouthinkthatwemightmaketimetogoalittleroundinthatdirection，Susan？'inquired，Polly，whentheyhaltedtotakebreath。
`Whynot，Mrs。Richards？'returnedSusan。
It'sgettingontowardsourdinnertimeyouknow，saidPolly。
Butlunchhadrenderedhercompanionmorethanindifferenttothisgraveconsideration，sosheallowednoweighttoit，andtheyresolvedtogo`alittleround。'
Now，ithappenedthatpoorBiler'slifehadbeen，sinceyesterdaymorning，renderedwearybythecostumeoftheCharitableGrinders。Theyouthofthestreetscouldnotendureit。Noyoungvagabondcouldbebroughttobearitscontemplationforamoment，withoutthrowinghimselfupontheunoffendingwearer，anddoinghimamischief。HissocialexistencehadbeenmorelikethatofanearlyChristian，thananinnocentchildofthenineteenthcentury。Hehadbeenstonedinthestreets。Hehadbeenoverthrownintogutters；bespatteredwithmud；violentlyflattenedagainstposts。
Entirestrangerstohispersonhadliftedhisyellowcapoffhisheadandcastittothewinds。Hislegshadnotonlyundergoneverbalcriticismsandrevilings，buthadbeenhandledandpinched。Thatverymorning，hehadreceivedaperfectlyunsolicitedblackeyeonhiswaytotheGrinders'
establishment，andhadbeenpunishedforitbythemaster：asuperannuatedoldGrinderofsavagedisposition，whohadbeenappointedschoolmasterbecausehedidn'tknowanything，andwasn'tfitforanything，andforwhosecruelcaneallchubbylittleboyshadaperfectfascination。
ThusitfelloutthatBiler，onhiswayhome，soughtunfrequentedpaths；andslunkalongbynarrowpassagesandbackstreets，toavoidhistormentors。Beingcompelledtoemergeintothemainroad，hisillfortunebroughthimatlastwhereasmallpartyofboys，headedbyaferociousyoungbutcher，werelyinginwaitforanymeansofpleasurableexcitementthatmighthappen。These，findingaCharitableGrinderinthemidstofthem——unaccountablydeliveredover，asitwere，intotheirhands——setupageneralyellandrusheduponhim。
Butitsofelloutlikewise，that，atthesametime，Polly，lookinghopelesslyalongtheroadbeforeher，afteragoodhour'swalk，hadsaiditwasnousegoinganyfurther，whensuddenlyshesawthissight。Shenosoonersawitthan，utteringahastyexclamation，andgivingMasterDombeytotheblack-eyed，shestartedtotherescueofherunhappylittleson。
Surprises，likemisfortunes，rarelycomealone。TheastonishedSusanNipperandhertwoyoungchargeswererescuedbythebystandersfromundertheverywheelsofapassingcarriagebeforetheyknewwhathadhappened；
andatthatmoment(itwasmarketday)athunderingalarmof`MadBull'
wasraised。
Withawildconfusionbeforeher，ofpeoplerunningupanddown，andshouting，andwheelsrunningoverthem，andboysfighting，andmadbullscomingup，andthenurseinthemidstofallthesedangersbeingtorntopieces，Florencescreamedandran。Sherantillshewasexhausted，urgingSusantodothesame；andthen，stoppingandwringingherhandsassherememberedtheyhadlefttheothernursebehind，found，withasensationofterrornottobedescribed，thatshewasquitealone。
`Susan！Susan！'criedFlorence，clappingherhandsintheveryecstasyofheralarm。`Oh，wherearethey？wherearethey？'
`Wherearethey？'saidanoldwoman，cominghobblingacrossasfastasshecouldfromtheoppositesideoftheway。
`Whydidyourunawayfrom'em？'
`Iwasfrightened，'answeredFlorence。`Ididn'tknowwhatIdid。
Ithoughttheywerewithme。Wherearethey？'
Theoldwomantookherbythewrist，andsaid，`I'llshowyou。'
Shewasaveryuglyoldwoman，withredrimsroundhereyes，andamouththatmumbledandchatteredofitselfwhenshewasnotspeaking。
Shewasmiserablydressed，andcarriedsomeskinsoverherarm。SheseemedtohavefollowedFlorencesomelittlewayatallevents，forshehadlostherbreath；andthismadeheruglierstill，asshestoodtryingtoregainit：workinghershrivelledyellowfaceandthroatintoallsortsofcontortions。
Florencewasafraidofher，andlooked，hesitating，upthestreet，ofwhichshehadalmostreachedthebottom。Itwasasolitaryplace——moreabackroadthanastreet——andtherewasnooneinitbutherselfandtheoldwoman。
`Youneedn'tbefrightenednow，'saidtheoldwoman，stillholdinghertight。`Comealongwithme。'
`I——Idon'tknowyou。What'syourname？'askedFlorence。
`Mrs。Brown，'saidtheoldwoman。`GoodMrs。Brown。'
`Aretheynearhere？'askedFlorence，beginningtobeledaway。
`Susanan'tfaroff，'saidGoodMrs。Brown；`andtheothersareclosetoher。'
`Isanybodyhurt？'criedFlorence。
`Notabitofit，'saidGoodMrs。Brown。
Thechildshedtearsofdelightonhearingthis，andaccompaniedtheoldwomanwillingly；thoughshecouldnothelpglancingatherfaceastheywentalong——particularlyatthatindustriousmouth——andwonderingwhetherBadMrs。Brown，ifthereweresuchaperson，wasatalllikeher。
Theyhadnotgonefar，buthadgonebysomeveryuncomfortableplaces，suchasbrick-fieldsandtile-yards，whentheoldwomanturneddownadirtylane，wherethemudlayindeepblackrutsinthemiddleoftheroad。Shestoppedbeforeashabbylittlehouse，ascloselyshutupasahousethatwasfullofcracksandcrevicescouldbe。Openingthedoorwithakeyshetookoutofherbonnet，shepushedthechildbeforeherintoabackroom，wheretherewasagreatheapofragsofdifferentcolourslyingonthefloor；aheapofbones，andaheapofsifteddustorcinders；
buttherewasnofurnitureatall，andthewallsandceilingwerequiteblack。
Thechildbecamesoterrifiedthatshewasstrickenspeechless，andlookedasthoughabouttoswoon。
`Nowdon'tbeayoungmule，'saidGoodMrs。Brown，revivingherwithashake。`I'mnotagoingtohurtyou。Situpontherags。'
Florenceobeyedher，holdingoutherfoldedhands，inmutesupplication。
`I'mnotagoingtokeepyou，even，aboveanhour，'saidMrs。
Brown。`D'yeunderstandwhatIsay？'
Thechildansweredwithgreatdifficulty，`Yes。'
`Then，'saidGoodMrs。Brown，takingherownseatonthebones，`don'tvexme。Ifyoudon't，ItellyouIwon'thurtyou。Butifyoudo，I'llkillyou。Icouldhaveyoukilledatanytime——evenifyouwasinyourownbedathome。Nowlet'sknowwhoyouare，andwhatyouare，andallaboutit。'
Theoldwoman'sthreatsandpromises；thedreadofgivingheroffence；andthehabit，unusualtoachild，butalmostnaturaltoFlorencenow，ofbeingquiet，andrepressingwhatshefelt，andfeared，andhoped；
enabledhertodothisbidding，andtotellherlittlehistory，orwhatsheknewofit。Mrs。Brownlistenedattentively，untilshehadfinished。
`Soyourname'sDombey，eh？'saidMrs。Brown。
`Yes，ma'am。'
`Iwantthatprettyfrock，MissDombey，'saidGoodMrs。Brown，`andthatlittlebonnet，andapetticoatortwo，andanythingelseyoucanspare。Come！Take'emoff。'
Florenceobeyed，asfastashertremblinghandswouldallow；keeping，allthewhile，afrightenedeyeonMrs。Brown。Whenshehaddivestedherselfofallthearticlesofapparelmentionedbythatlady，Mrs。B。examinedthematleisure，andseemedtolerablywellsatisfiedwiththeirqualityandvalue。
`Humph！'shesaid，runninghereyesoverthechild'sslightfigure，`Idon'tseeanythingelse——excepttheshoes。Imusthavetheshoes，MissDombey。'
PoorlittleFlorencetookthemoffwithequalalacrity，onlytoogladtohaveanymoremeansofconciliationabouther。Theoldwomanthenproducedsomewretchedsubstitutesfromthebottomoftheheapofrags，whichsheturnedupforthatpurpose；togetherwithagirl'scloak，quitewornoutandveryold；andthecrushedremainsofabonnetthathadprobablybeenpickedupfromsomeditchordunghill。Inthisdaintyraiment，sheinstructedFlorencetodressherself；andassuchpreparationseemedapreludetoherrelease，thechildcompliedwithincreasedreadiness，ifpossible。
Inhurriedlyputtingonthebonnet，ifthatmaybecalledabonnetwhichwasmorelikeapadtocarryloadson，shecaughtitinherhairwhichgrewluxuriantly，andcouldnotimmediatelydisentangleit。GoodMrs。Brownwhippedoutalargepairorscissors，andfellintoanunaccountablestateofexcitement。
`Whycouldn'tyouletmebe，'saidMrs。Brown，`whenIwascontented？
Youlittlefool！'
`Ibegyourpardon。Idon'tknowwhatIhavedone，'pantedFlorence。
`Icouldn'thelpit。'
`Couldn'thelpit！'criedMrs。Brown。`HowdoyouexpectIcanhelpit？Why，Lord！'saidtheoldwoman，rufflinghercurlswithafuriouspleasure，`anybodybutmewouldhavehad'emofffirstofall。'
FlorencewassorelievedtofindthatitwasonlyherhairandnotherheadwhichMrs。Browncoveted，thatsheofferednoresistanceorentreaty，andmerelyraisedhermildeyestowardsthefaceofthatgoodsoul。
`IfIhadn'toncehadagalofmyown——beyondseasnow——thatwasproudofherhair，'saidMrs。Brown，`I'dhavehadeverylockofit。She'sfaraway，she'sfaraway！Oho！Oho！'
Mrs。Brown'swasnotamelodiouscry，but，accompaniedwithawildtossingupofherleanarms，itwasfullofpassionategrief，andthrilledtotheheartofFlorence，whomitfrightenedmorethanever。Ithaditspart，perhaps，insavinghercurls；forMrs。Brown，afterhoveringaboutherwiththescissorsforsomemoments，likeanewkindofbutterfly，badeherhidethemunderthebonnetandletnotraceofthemescapetotempther。Havingaccomplishedthisvictoryoverherself，Mrs。Brownresumedherseatonthebones，andsmokedaveryshortblackpipe，mowingandmumblingallthetime，asifshewereeatingthestem。
Whenthepipewassmokedout，shegavethechildarabbitskintocarry，thatshemightappearthemorelikeherordinarycompanion，andtoldherthatshewasnowgoingtoleadhertoapublicstreetwhenceshecouldinquireherwaytoherfriends。Butshecautionedher，withthreatsofsummaryanddeadlyvengeanceincaseofdisobedience，nottotalktostrangers，nortorepairtoherownhome(whichmayhavebeentoonearforMrs。Brown'sconvenience)，buttoherfather'sofficeintheCity；
alsotowaitatthestreetcornerwhereshewouldbeleft，untiltheclockstruckthree。ThesedirectionsMrs。brownenforcedwithassurancesthattherewouldbepotenteyesandearsinheremploymentcognizantofallshedid；andthesedirectionsFlorencepromisedfaithfullyandearnestlytoobserve。
Atlength，Mrs。Brown，issuingforth，conductedherchangedandraggedlittlefriendthroughalabyrinthofnarrowstreetsandlanesandalleys，whichemerged，afteralongtime，uponastableyard，withagatewayattheend，whencetheroarofagreatthoroughfaremadeitselfaudible。
Pointingoutthisgateway，andinformingFlorencethatwhentheclocksstruckthreeshewastogototheleft，Mrs。Brown，aftermakingapartinggraspatherhairwhichseemedinvoluntaryandquitebeyondherowncontrol，toldhersheknewwhattodo，andbadehergoanddoit：rememberingthatshewaswatched。
Withalighterheart，butstillsoreafraid，Florencefeltherselfreleased，andtrippedofftothecorner。Whenshereachedit，shelookedbackandsawtheheadofGoodMrs。Brownpeepingoutofthelowwoodenpassage，whereshehadissuedherpartinginjunctions；likewisethefirstofGoodMrs。Brownshakingtowardsher。Butthoughsheoftenlookedbackafterwards——everyminute，atleast，inhernervousrecollectionoftheoldwoman——shecouldnotseeheragain。
Florenceremainedthere，lookedatthebustleinthestreet，andmoreandmorebewilderedbyit；andinthemeanwhiletheclocksappearedtohavemadeuptheirmindsnevertostrikethreeanymore。Atlastthesteeplesrangoutthreeo'clock；therewasonecloseby，soshecouldn'tbemistaken；and——afteroftenlookingoverhershoulder，andoftengoingalittleway，andasoftencomingbackagain，lesttheall-powerfulspiesofMrs。Brownshouldtakeoffence——shehurriedoff，asfastasshecouldinherslipshodshoes，holdingtherabbit-skintightinherhand。
Allsheknewofherfather'sofficeswasthattheybelongedtoDombeyandSon，andthatthatwasagreatpowerbelongingtotheCity。
SoshecouldonlyaskthewaytoDombeyandSon'sintheCity；andasshegenerallymadeinquiryofchildren——beingafraidtoaskgrownpeople——shegotverylittlesatisfactionindeed。ButbydintofaskingherwaytotheCityafterawhile，anddroppingtherestofherinquiryforthepresent，shereallydidadvance，byslowdegrees，towardstheheartofthatgreatregionwhichisgovernedbytheterribleLordMayor。
Tiredofwalking，repulsedandpushedabout，stunnedbythenoiseandconfusion，anxiousforherbrotherandthenurses，terrifiedbywhatshehadundergone，andtheprospectofencounteringherangryfatherinsuchanalteredstate；perplexedandfrightenedalikebywhathadpassed，andwhatwaspassing，andwhatwasyetbeforeher；Florencewentuponherwearywaywithtearfuleyes，andonceortwicecouldnothelpstoppingtoeaseherburstingheartbycryingbitterly。Butfewpeoplenoticedheratthosetimes，inthegarbshewore：oriftheydid，believedthatshewastutoredtoexcitecompassion，andpassedon。Florence，too，calledtoheraidallthefirmnessandself-relianceofacharacterthathersadexperiencehadprematurelyformedandtried：andkeepingtheendshehadinviewsteadilybeforeher，steadilypursuedit。
Itwasfulltwohourslaterintheafternoonthanwhenshehadstartedonthisstrangeadventure，whenescapingfromtheclashandclangourofanarrowstreetfullofcartsandwaggons，shepeepedintoakindofwharforlanding-placeupontheriver-side，wheretherewereagreatmanypackages，casks，andboxes，strewnabout；alargepairofwoodenscales；
andalittlewoodenhouseonwheels，outsideofwhich，lookingattheneighbouringmastsandboats，astoutmanstoodwhistling，withhispenbehindhisear，andhishandsinhispockets，asifhisday'sworkwerenearlydone。
`Nowthen！'saidthisman，happeningtoturnround。`Wehaven'tgotanythingforyou，littlegirl。Beoff！'
`Ifyouplease，isthistheCity？'askedthetremblingdaughteroftheDombeys。
`Ah！It'stheCity。Youknowthatwellenough，Idaresay。Beoff！Wehaven'tgotanythingforyou。'
`Idon'twantanything，thankyou，'wasthetimidanswer。
`ExcepttoknowthewaytoDombeyandSon's。'
Themanwhohadbeenstrollingcarelesslytowardsher，seemedsurprisedbythisreply，andlookingattentivelyinherface，rejoined：
`Why，whatcanyouwantwithDombeyandSon's？'
`Toknowthewaythere，ifyouplease。'
Themanlookedatheryetmorecuriously，andrubbedthebackofhisheadsohardinhiswondermentthatheknockedhisownhatoff。
`Joe！'hecalledtoanotherman——alabourer——ashepickeditupandputitonagain。
`Joeitis！'saidJoe。
`Where'sthatyoungsparkofDombey'swho'sbeenwatchingtheshipmentofthemgoods？'
`Justgone，byt'othergate，'saidJoe。
`Callhimbackaminute。'
Joeranupanarchway，bawlingashewent，andverysoonreturnedwithablithe-lookingboy。
`You'reDombey'sjockey，an'tyou？'saidthefirstman。
`I'minDombey'sHouse，Mr。Clark，'returnedtheboy。
`Look'yehere，then，'saidMr。Clark。
ObedienttotheindicationofMr。Clark'shand，theboyapproachedtowardsFlorence，wondering，aswellhemight，whathehadtodowithher。
Butshe，whohadheardwhatpassed，andwho，besidesthereliefofsosuddenlyconsideringherselfsafeatherjourney'send，feltreassuredbeyondallmeasurebyhislivelyyouthfulfaceandmanner，raneagerlyuptohim，leavingoneoftheslipshodshoesuponthegroundandcaughthishandinbothofhers。
`Iamlost，ifyouplease！'saidFlorence。
`Lost！'criedtheboy。
`Yes，Iwaslostthismorning，alongwayfromhere——andIhavehadmyclothestakenaway，since——andIamnotdressedinmyownnow——andmynameisFlorenceDombey，mylittlebrother'sonlysister——and，ohdear，dear，takecareofme，ifyouplease！'sobbedFlorence，givingfullventtothechildishfeelingsshehadsolongsuppressed，andburstingintotears。Atthesametimehermiserablebonnetfallingoff，herhaircametumblingdownaboutherface：movingtospeechlessadmirationandcommiseration，youngWalter，nephewofSolomonGills，Ships'Instrument-makeringeneral。
Mr。Clarkstoodraptinamazement：observingunderhisbreath，Ineversawsuchastartonthiswharfbefore。Walterpickeduptheshoe，andputitonthelittlefootasthePrinceinthestorymighthavefittedCinderella'sslipperon。Hehungtherabbit-skinoverhisleftarm；gavetherighttoFlorence：andfelt，nottosaylikeRichardWhittington——thatisatamecomparison——butlikeSaintGeorgeofEngland，withthedragonlyingdeadbeforehim。
`Don'tcry，MissDombey，'saidWalter，inatransportofenthusiasm。
`WhatawonderfulthingformethatIamhere！Youareassafenowasifyouwereguardedbyawholeboat'screwofpickedmenfromaman-of-war。
Oh，don'tcry。'
`Iwon'tcryanymore，'saidFlorence。`Iamonlycryingforjoy。'
`Cryingforjoy！'thoughtWalter，`andI'mthecauseofit！Comealong，MissDombey。There'stheothershoeoffnow！Takemine，MissDombey。'
`No，no，no，'saidFlorence，checkinghimintheactofimpetuouslypullingoffhisown。`Thesedobetter。Thesedoverywell。'
`Why，tobesure，'saidWalter，glancingatherfoot，`mineareamiletoolarge。WhatamIthinkingabout！Younevercouldwalkinmine！Comealong，MissDombey。Letmeseethevillainwhowilldaremolestyounow。'
SoWalter，lookingimmenselyfierce，ledoffFlorence，lookingveryhappy；andtheywentarm-in-armalongthestreets，perfectlyindifferenttoanyastonishmentthattheirappearancemightordidexcitebytheway。
Itwasgrowingdarkandfoggy，andbeginningtoraintoo；buttheycarednothingforthis：beingbothwhollyabsorbedinthelateadventuresofFlorence，whichsherelatedwiththeinnocentgoodfaithandconfidenceofheryears，whileWalterlistenedasif，farfromthemudandgreaseofThamesStreet，theywereramblingaloneamongthebroadleavesandtalltreesofsomedesertislandinthetropics——asheverylikelyfancied，forthetime，theywere。
`Havewefartogo？'askedFlorenceatlast，liftinguphereyestohercompanion'sface。
`Ah！By-the-bye，'saidWalter，stopping，`letmesee；wherearewe？Oh！Iknow。Buttheofficesareshutupnow，MissDombey。There'snobodythere。Mr。Dombeyhasgonehomelongago。Isupposewemustgohometoo？
or，stay。SupposeItakeyoutomyuncle's，whereIlive——it'sverynearhere——andgotoyourhouseinacoachtotellthemyouaresafe，andbringyoubacksomeclothes。Won'tthatbebest？'
`Ithinkso，'answeredFlorence。`Don'tyou？Whatdoyouthink？'
Astheystooddeliberatinginthestreet，amanpassedthem，whoglancedquicklyatWalterashewentby，asifherecognisedhim；butseemingtocorrectthatfirstimpression，hepassedonwithoutstopping。
`Why，Ithinkit'sMr。Carker，'saidWalter。`CarkerinourHouse。
NotCarkerourmanager，MissDombey——theotherCarker；thejunior——Halloa！
Mr。Carker！'
`IsthatWalterGay？'saidtheother，stoppingandreturning。
`Icouldn'tbelieveit，withsuchastrangecompanion。'
Ashestoodnearalamp，listeningwithsurprisetoWalter'shurriedexplanation，hepresentedaremarkablecontrasttothetwoyouthfulfiguresarm-in-armbeforehim。Hewasnotold，buthishairwaswhite；hisbodywasbent，orbowedasifbytheweightofsomegreattrouble：andthereweredeeplinesinhiswornandmelancholyface。Thefireofhiseyes，theexpressionofhisfeatures，theveryvoiceinwhichhespoke，wereallsubduedandquenched，asifthespiritwithinhimlayinashes。Hewasrespectably，thoughveryplainlydressed，inblack；buthisclothes，mouldedtothegeneralcharacterofhisfigure，seemedtoshrinkandabasethemselvesuponhim，andtojoininthesorrowfulsolicitationwhichthewholemanfromheadtofootexpressed，tobeleftunnoticed，andaloneinhishumility。
Andyethisinterestinyouthandhopefulnesswasnotextinguishedwiththeotherembersofhissoul，forhewatchedtheboy'searnestcountenanceashespokewithunusualsympathy，thoughwithaninexplicableshowoftroubleandcompassion，whichescapedintohislooks，howeverhardhestrovetoholditprisoner。WhenWalter，inconclusion，puttohimthequestionhehadputtoFlorence，hestillstoodglancingathimwiththesameexpression，asifhehadreadsomefateuponhisface，mournfullyatvariancewithitspresentbrightness。
`Whatdoyouadvise，Mr。Carker？'saidWalter，smiling。`Youalwaysgivemegoodadvice，youknow，whenyoudospeaktome。That'snotoften，though。'
`Ithinkyourownideaisthebest，'heanswered：lookingfromFlorencetoWalter，andbackagain。
`Mr。Carker，'saidWalter，brighteningwithagenerousthought，`Come！Here'schanceforyou。GoyoutoMr。Dombey'sandbethemessengerofgoodnews。Itmaydoyousomegood，Sir。I'llremainathome。Youshallgo。'
`I！'returnedtheother。
`Yes。Whynot，Mr。Carker？'saidtheboy。
Hemerelyshookhimbythehandinanswer；heseemedinamannerashamedandafraideventodothat；andbiddinghimgoodnight，andadvisinghimtomakehaste，turnedaway。
`Come，MissDombey，'saidWalter，lookingafterhimastheyturnedawayalso，`we'llgotomyuncle'sasquickaswecan。DidyoueverhearMr。DombeyspeakofMr。Carkerthejunior，MissFlorence？'
`No，'returnedthechild，mildly，`Idon'toftenhearpapaspeak。'
`Ah！true！moreshameforhim，'thoughtWalter。Afteraminute'spause，duringwhichhehadbeenlookingdownuponthegentlepatientlittlefacemovingonathisside，hebestirredhimselfwithhisaccustomedboyishanimationandrestlessnesstochangethesubject；andoneoftheunfortunateshoescomingoffagainopportunely，proposedtocarryFlorencetohisuncle'sinhisarms。Florence，thoughverytired，laughinglydeclinedtheproposal，lestheshouldletherfall；andastheywerealreadynearthewoodenmidshipman，andasWalterwentontocitevariousprecedents，fromshipwrecksandothermovingaccidents，whereyoungerboysthanhehadtriumphantlyrescuedandcarriedoffoldergirlsthanFlorence，theywerestillinfullconversationaboutitwhentheyarrivedattheinstrument-maker'sdoor。
`Holloa，UncleSol！'criedWalter，burstingintotheshop，andspeakingincoherentlyandoutofbreath，fromthattimeforth，fortherestoftheevening。`Here'sawonderfuladventure！Here'sMr。Dombey'sdaughterlostinthestreets，androbbedofherclothesbyanoldwitchofawoman——foundbyme——broughthometoourparlourtorest——lookhere！'
`GoodHeaven！'saidUncleSol，startingbackagainsthisfavouritecompass-case。`Itcan'tbe！Well，I——'
`No，noranybodyelse，'saidWalter，anticipatingtherest。`Nobodywould，nobodycould，youknow。Here！justhelpmeliftthelittlesofanearthefire，willyou，UncleSol——takecareoftheplates——cutsomedinnerforher，willyou，uncle——throwthoseshoesunderthegrate。MissFlorence——putyourfeetonthefendertodry——howdamptheyare——here'sanadventure，uncle，eh？——Godblessmysoul，howhotIam！'
SolomonGillswasquiteashot，bysympathy，andinexcessivebewilderment。HepattedFlorence'shead，pressedhertoeat，pressedhertodrink，rubbedthesolesofherfeetwithhispocket-handkerchiefheatedatthefire，followedhislocomotivenephewwithhiseyes，andears，andhadnoclearperceptionofanythingexceptthathewasbeingconstantlyknockedagainstandtumbledoverbythatexcitedyounggentleman，ashedartedabouttheroomattemptingtoaccomplishtwentythingsatonce，anddoingnothingatall。
`Here，waitaminute，uncle，'hecontinued，catchingupacandle，`tillIrunupstairs，andgetanotherjacketon，andthenI'llbeoff。
Isay，uncle，isn'tthisanadventure？'
`Mydearboy，'saidSolomon，who，withhisspectaclesonhisforeheadandthegreatchronometerinhispocket，wasincessantlyoscillatingbetweenFlorenceonthesofaandhisnephewinallpartsoftheparlour，`it'sthemostextraordinary——'
`No，butdo，uncle，please——do，MissFlorence——dinner，youknow，uncle。'
`Yes，yes，yes，'criedSolomon，cuttinginstantlyintoalegofmutton，asifhewerecateringforagiant。`I'lltakecareofher，Wally！
Iunderstand。Prettydear！Famished，ofcourse。Yougoandgetready。Lordblessme！SirRichardWhittingtonthriceLordMayorofLondon。'
Walterwasnotverylonginmountingtohisloftygarretanddescendingfromit，butinthemeantimeFlorence，overcomebyfatigue，hadsunkintoadozebeforethefire。Theshortintervalofquiet，thoughonlyafewminutesinduration，enabledSolomongillssofartocollecthiswitsastomakesomelittlearrangementsforhercomfort，andtodarkentheroom，andtoscreenherfromtheblaze。Thus，whentheboyreturned，shewassleepingpeacefully。
`That'scapital！'hewhispered，givingSolomonsuchahugthatitsqueezedanewexpressionintohisface。`NowI'moff。I'lljusttakeacrustofbreadwithme，forI'mveryhungry——and——don'twakeher，UncleSol。'
`No，no，'saidSolomon。Prettychild。'
`Pretty，indeed！'criedWalter。`Ineversawsuchaface，UncleSol。NowI'moff。'
`That'sright，'saidSolomon，greatlyrelieved。
`Isay，UncleSol，'criedWalter，puttinghisfaceinatthedoor。
`Hereheisagain，'saidSolomon。
`Howdoesshelooknow？'
`Quitehappy，'saidSolomon。
`That'sfamous！nowI'moff。'
`Ihopeyouare，'saidSolomontohimself。
`Isay，UncleSol，'criedWalter，reappearingatthedoor。
`Hereheisagain！'saidSolomon。
`WemetMr。Carkerthejuniorinthestreet，queererthanever。
Hebademegood-bye，butcamebehindushere——there'sanoddthing！——forwhenwereachedtheshopdoor，Ilookedround，andsawhimgoingquietlyaway，likeaservantwhohadseenmehome，orafaithfuldog。Howdoesshelooknow，uncle？'
`Prettymuchthesameasbefore，Wally，'repliedUncleSol。
`That'sright。NowIamoff！'
Andthistimehereallywas：andSolomonGills，withnoappetitefordinner，satontheoppositesideofthefire，watchingFlorenceinherslumber，buildingagreatmanyairycastlesofthemostfantasticarchitecture；
andlooking，inthedimshade，andintheclosevicinityofalltheinstruments，likeamagiciandisguisedinaWelshwigandasuitofcoffeecolour，whoheldthechildinanenchantedsleep。
Inthemeantime，WalterproceededtowardsMr。Dombey'shouseatapaceseldomachievedbyahackhorsefromthestand；andyetwithhisheadoutofwindoweverytwoorthreeminutes，inimpatientremonstrancewiththedriver。Arrivingathisjourney'send，heleapedout，andbreathlesslyannouncinghiserrandtotheservant，followedhimstraightintothelibrary，wheretherewasagreatconfusionoftongues，andwhereMr。Dombey，hissister，andMissTox，Richards，andNipper，wereallcongregatedtogether。
`Oh！Ibegyourpardon，Sir，'saidWalter，rushinguptohim，`butI'mhappytosayit'sallright，Sir。MissDombey'sfound！'
Theboywithhisopenface，andflowinghair，andsparklingeyes，pantingwithpleasureandexcitement，waswonderfullyopposedtoMr。Dombey，ashesatconfrontinghiminhislibrarychair。
`Itoldyou，Louisa，thatshewouldcertainlybefound，'saidMr。Dombey，lookingslightlyoverhisshoulderatthatlady，whoweptincompanywithMissTox。`Lettheservantsknowthatnofurtherstepsarenecessary。Thisboywhobringstheinformation，isyoungGay，fromtheoffice。Howwasmydaughterfound，Sir？Iknowhowshewaslost。'HerehelookedmajesticallyatRichards。`Buthowwasshefound？Whofoundher？'
`Why，IbelieveIfoundMissdombey，Sir，'saidWaltermodestly；`atleastIdon'tknowthatIcanclaimthemeritofhavingexactlyfoundher，Sir，butIwasthefortunateinstrumentof——'
`Whatdoyoumean，Sir，'interruptedMr。Dombey，regardingtheboy'sevidentprideandpleasureinhisshareofthetransactionwithaninstinctivedislike，`bynothavingexactlyfoundmydaughter，andbybeingafortunateinstrument？Beplainandcoherent，ifyouplease。'
ItwasquiteoutofWalter'spowertobecoherent；butherenderedhimselfasexplanatoryashecould，inhisbreathlessstate，andstatedwhyhehadcomealone。
`Youhearthis，girl？'saidMr。Dombeysternlytotheblack-eyed。
`Takewhatisnecessary，andreturnimmediatelywiththisyoungmantofetchMissFlorencehome。Gay，youwillberewardedto-morrow。'
`Oh！thankyou，Sir，'saidWalter。`Youareverykind。I'msureIwasnotthinkingofanyreward，Sir。'
`Youareaboy，'saidMr。Dombey，suddenlyandalmostfiercely；
`andwhatyouthinkof，oraffecttothinkof，isoflittleconsequence。
Youhavedonewell，Sir。Don'tundoit。Louisa，pleasetogivetheladsomewine。'
Mr。Dombey'sglancefollowedWalterGaywithsharpdisfavour，ashelefttheroomunderthepilotageofMrs。Chick；anditmaybethathismind'seyefollowedhimwithnogreaterrelish，asherodebacktohisuncle'swithMissSusanNipper。
TheretheyfoundthatFlorence，muchrefreshedbysleep，haddined，andgreatlyimprovedtheacquaintanceofSolomonGills，withwhomshewasontermsofperfectconfidenceandease。Theblack-eyed(whohadcriedsomuchthatshemightnowbecalledthered-eyed，andwhowasverysilentanddepressed)caughtherinherarmswithoutawordofcontradictionorreproach，andmadeaveryhystericalmeetingofit。Thenconvertingtheparlour，forthenonce，intoaprivatetiringroom，shedressedher，withgreatcare，inproperclothes；andpresentlyledherforth，aslikeaDombeyashernaturaldisqualificationsadmittedofherbeingmade。
`Goodnight！'saidFlorence，runninguptoSolomon。`Youhavebeenverygoodtome。'
OldSolwasquitedelighted，andkissedherlikehergrandfather。
`Goodnight，Walter！Good-bye！'saidFlorence。
`Good-bye！'saidWalter，givingbothhishands。
`I'llneverforgetyou，'pursuedFlorence。`No！indeedIneverwill。Good-bye，Walter！'
Intheinnocenceofhergratefulheart，thechildliftedupherfacetohis。Walter，bendingdownhisown，raiseditagain，allredandburning；andlookedatUncleSol，quitesheepishly。
`Where'sWalter？'`Goodnight，Walter！'`Good-bye，Walter！'`Shakehandsoncemore，Walter！'ThiswasstillFlorence'scry，aftershewasshutupwithherlittlemaid，inthecoach。Andwhenthecoachatlengthmovedoff，Walteronthedoor-stepgailyreturnedthewavingofherhandkerchief，whilethewoodenmidshipmanbehindhimseemed，likehimself，intentuponthatcoachalone，excludingalltheotherpassingcoachesfromhisobservation。
IngoodtimeMr。Dombey'smansionwasgainedagain，andagaintherewasanoiseoftonguesinthelibrary。Again，too，thecoachwasorderedtowait——`forMrs。Richards，'oneofSusan'sfellow-servantsominouslywhispered，asshepassedwithFlorence。
Theentranceofthelostchildmadeaslightsensation，butnotmuch。Mr。Dombey，whohadneverfoundher，kissedheronceupontheforehead，andcautionedhernottorunawayagain，orwanderanywherewithtreacherousattendants。Mrs。Chickstoppedinherlamentationsonthecorruptionofhumannature，evenwhenbeckonedtothepathsofvirtuebyaCharitableGrinder；andreceivedherwithawelcomesomethingshortofthereceptionduetononebutperfectDombeys。MissToxregulatedherfeelingsbythemodelsbeforeher。Richards，theculpritRichards，alonepouredoutherheartinbrokenwordsofwelcome，andbowedherselfoverthelittlewanderingheadasifshereallylovedit。
`Ah，Richards！'saidMrs。Chick，withasigh。`Itwouldhavebeenmuchmoresatisfactorytothosewhowishtothinkwelloftheirfellowcreatures，andmuchmorebecominginyou，ifyouhadshownsomeproperfeeling，intime，forthelittlechildthatisnowgoingtobeprematurelydeprivedofitsnaturalnourishment。'
`Cutoff，'saidMissTox，inaplaintivewhisper，`fromonecommonfountain！'
`Ifitwasmyungratefulcase，'saidMrs。Chick，solemnly，`andIhadyourreflections，Richards，IshouldfeelasiftheCharitableGrinders'dresswouldblightmychild，andtheeducationchokehim。'
Forthematterofthat——butMrs。Chickdidn'tknowit——hehadbeenprettywellblightedbythedressalready；andastotheeducation，evenitsretributiveeffectmightbeproducedintime，foritwasastormofsobsandblows。
`Louisa！'saidMr。Dombey。`Itisnotnecessarytoprolongtheseobservations。Thewomanisdischargedandpaid。Youleavethishouse，Richards，fortakingmyson——myson，'saidMr。Dombey，emphaticallyrepeatingthesetwowords，`intohauntsandintosocietywhicharenottobethoughtofwithoutashudder。AstotheaccidentwhichbefelMissFlorencethismorning，Iregardthatas，inonegreatsense，ahappyandfortunatecircumstance；
inasmuchas，butforthatoccurrence，Inevercouldhaveknown——andfromyourownlipstoo——ofwhatyouhadbeenguilty。Ithink，Louisa，theothernurse，theyoungperson，'hereMissNippersobbedaloud，`beingsomuchyounger，andnecessarilyinfluencedbyPaul'snurse，mayremain。Havethegoodnesstodirectthatthiswoman'scoachispaidto'——Mr。Dombeystoppedandwinced——`toStaggs'sGardens。'
Pollymovedtowardsthedoor，withFlorenceholdingtoherdress，andcryingtoherinthemostpatheticmannernottogoaway。Itwasadaggerinthehaughtyfather'sheart，anarrowinhisbrain，toseehowthefleshandbloodhecouldnotdisown，clungtothisobscurestranger，andhesittingby。Notthathecaredtowhomhisdaughterturned，orfromwhomturnedaway。Theswiftsharpagonystruckthroughhim，ashethoughtofwhathissonmightdo。
Hissoncriedlustilythatnight，atallevents。Soothtosay，poorPaulhadbetterreasonforhistearsthansonsofthatageoftenhave，forhehadlosthissecondmother——hisfirst，sofarasheknew——byastrokeassuddenasthatnaturalafflictionwhichhaddarkenedthebeginningofhislife。Atthesameblow，hissistertoo，whocriedherselftosleepsomournfully，hadlostasgoodandtrueafriend。Butthatisquitebesidethequestion。Letuswastenowordsaboutit。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter7[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVIIABird's-eyeGlimpseofMissTox'sDwelling-place；alsooftheStateofMissTox'sAffectionsMISSTOXinhabitedadarklittlehousethathadbeensqueezed，atsomeremoteperiodofEnglishHistory，intoafashionableneighbourhoodatthewestendofthetown，whereitstoodintheshadlikeapoorrelationofthegreatstreetroundthecorner，coldlylookeddownuponbymightymansions。
Itwasnotexactlyinacourt，anditwasnotexactlyinayard；butitwasinthedullestofNo-Thoroughfares，renderedanxiousandhaggardbydistantdoubleknocks。Thenameofthisretirement，wheregrassgrewbetweenthechinksinthestonepavement，wasPrincess'sPlace；andinPrincess'sPlacewasPrincess'sChapel，withatinklingbell，wheresometimesasmanyasfive-and-twentypeopleattendedserviceonaSunday。ThePrincess'sArmswasalsothere，andmuchresortedtobysplendidfootmen。AsedanchairwaskeptinsidetherailingbeforethePrincess'sArms，butithadnevercomeoutwithinthememoryofman；andonfinemornings，thetopofeveryrail(therewereeight-and-forty，asMissToxhadoftencounted)
wasdecoratedwithapewter-pot。
TherewasanotherprivatehousebesidesMissTox'sinPrincess'sPlace：nottomentionanimmensepairofgates，withanimmensepairoflion-headedknockersonthem，whichwereneveropenedbyanychance，andweresupposedtoconstituteadisusedentrancetosomebody'sstables。Indeed，therewasasmackofstablingintheairofPrincess'sPlace；andMissTox'sbedroom(whichwasattheback)commandedavistaofMews，wherehostlers，atwhateversortofworkengaged，werecontinuallyaccompanyingthemselveswitheffervescentnoises；andwherethemostdomesticandconfidentialgarmentsofcoachmenandtheirwivesandfamilies，usuallyhung，likeMacbeth'sbanners，ontheoutwardwalls。
AtthisotherprivatehouseinPrincess'sPlace，tenantedbyaretiredbutlerwhohadmarriedahousekeeper，apartmentswereletFurnished，toasinglegentleman：towit，awooden-featured，blue-facedMajor，withhiseyesstartingoutofhishead，inwhomMissToxrecognised，assheherselfexpressedit，`somethingsotrulymilitary；'andbetweenwhomandherself，anoccasionalinterchangeofnewspapersandpamphlets，andsuchPlatonicdalliance，waseffectedthroughthemediumofadarkservantoftheMajor's，whoMissToxwasquitecontenttoclassifyasa`native，'
withoutconnectinghimwithanygeographicalideawhatever。
Perhapsthereneverwasasmallerentryandstaircase，thantheentryandstaircaseofMissTox'shouse。Perhaps，takenaltogether，fromtoptobottom，itwasthemostinconvenientlittlehouseinEngland，andthecrookedest；butthen，MissToxsaid，whatasituation！Therewasverylittledaylighttobegotthereinthewinter：nosunatthebestoftimes：airwasoutofthequestion，andtrafficwaswalledout。StillMissToxsaid，thinkofthesituation！Sosaidtheblue-facedMajor，whoseeyeswerestartingoutofhishead：whogloriedinPrincess'sPlace：andwhodelightedtoturntheconversationathisclub，wheneverhecould，tosomethingconnectedwithsomeofthegreatpeopleinthegreatstreetroundthecorner，thathemighthavethesatisfactionofsayingtheywerehisneighbours。
ThedingytenementinhabitedbyMissToxwasherown；havingbeendevisedandbequeathedtoherbythedeceasedownerofthefishyeyeinthelocket，ofwhomaminiatureportrait，withapowderedheadandapigtail，balancedthekettleholderonoppositesidesoftheparlourfireplace。Thegreaterpartofthefurniturewasofthepowdered-headandpig-tailperiod：
comprisingaplatewarmer，alwayslanguishingandsprawlingitsfourattenuatedbowlegsinsomebody'sway；andanobsoleteharpsichord，illuminatedroundthemaker'snamewithapaintedgarlandofsweetpeas。
AlthoughMajorBagstockhadarrivedatwhatiscalledinpoliteliterature，thegrandmeridianoflife，andwasproceedingonhisjourneydown-hillwithhardlyanythroat，andaveryrigidpairofjaw-bones，andlong-flappedelephantineears，andhiseyesandcomplexioninthestateofartificialexcitementalreadymentioned，hewasmightilyproudofawakeninganinterestinMissTox，andtickledhisvanitywiththefictionthatshewasasplendidwoman，whohadhereyeonhim。Thishehadseveraltimeshintedattheclub：inconnexionwithlittlejocularities，ofwhicholdJoeBagstock，oldJoeyBagstock，oldJ。Bagstock，oldJoshBagstock，orsoforth，wastheperpetualtheme：itbeing，asitwere，theMajor'sstrongholdanddonjon-keepoflighthumour，tobeonthemostfamiliartermswithhisownname。
`JoeyB。，Sir，'theMajorwouldsay，withaflourishofhiswalking-stick，`isworthadozenofyou。IfyouhadafewmoreoftheBagstockbreedamongyou，Sir，you'dbenonetheworseforit。OldJoe，Sir，needn'tlookfarforawifeevennow，ifhewasonthelook-out；buthe'shard-hearted，Sir，isJoe——he'stough，Sir，tough，andde-vilishsly！'Aftersuchadeclarationwheezingsoundswouldbeheard；andtheMajor'sbluewoulddeepenintopurple，whilehiseyesstrainedandstartedconvulsively。
Notwithstandinghisveryliberallaudationofhimself，however，theMajorwasselfish。Itmaybedoubtedwhetherthereeverwasamoreentirelyselfishpersonatheart；oratstomachisperhapsabetterexpression，seeingthathewasmoredecidedlyendowedwiththatlatterorganthanwiththeformer。Hehadnoideaofbeingoverlookedorslightedbyanybody；
leastofall，hadhetheremotestcomprehensionofbeingover-lookedandslightedbyMissTox。
Andyet，MissTox，asitappeared，forgothim——graduallyforgothim。ShebegantoforgethimsoonafterherdiscoveryoftheToodlefamily。
Shecontinuedtoforgethimuptothetimeofthechristening。Shewentonforgettinghimwithcompoundinterestafterthat。Somethingorsomebodyhadsupersededhimasasourceofinterest。
`Goodmorning，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，meetingMissToxinPrincess'sPlace，someweeksafterthechangeschronicledinthelastchapter。
`Goodmorning，Sir，'saidMissTox；verycoldly。
`JoeBagstock，Ma'am，'observedtheMajor，withhisusualgallantry，`hasnothadthehappinessofbowingtoyouatyourwindow，foraconsiderableperiod。Joehasbeenhardlyused，ma'am。Hissunhasbeenbehindacloud。'
MissToxinclinedherhead；butverycoldlyindeed。
`Joe'sluminaryhasbeenoutoftown，Ma'am，perhaps，'inquiredtheMajor。
`I？outoftown？ohno，Ihavenotbeenoutoftown，'saidMissTox。`Ihavebeenmuchengagedlately。Mytimeisnearlyalldevotedtosomeveryintimatefriends。IamafraidIhavenonetospare，evennow。
Goodmorning，Sir！'
AsMissTox，withhermostfascinatingstepandcarriage，disappearedfromPrincess'sPlace，theMajorstoodlookingafterherwithabluerfacethanever：mutteringandgrowlingsomenotatallcomplimentaryremarks。
`Why，damme，Sir，'saidtheMajor，rollinghislobstereyesroundandroundPrincess'sPlace，andapostrophizingitsfragrantair，`sixmonthsago，thewomanlovedthegroundJoeBagstockwalkedon。What'sthemeaningofit？'
TheMajordecided，aftersomeconsideration，thatitmeantman-traps；
thatitmeantplottingandsnaring；thatMissToxwasdiggingpitfalls。
`Butyouwon'tcatchJoe，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor。`He'stough，Ma'am，tough，isJ。B。Tough，andde-vilishsly！'overwhichreflectionhechuckledfortherestoftheday。
Butstill，whenthatdayandmanyotherdaysweregoneandpast，itseemedthatMissToxtooknoheedwhateveroftheMajor，andthoughtnothingatallabouthim。Shehadbeenwont，onceuponatime，tolookoutatoneofherlittledarkwindowsbyaccident，andblushinglyreturntheMajor'sgreeting；butnow，shenevergavetheMajorachance，andcarednothingatallwhetherhelookedoverthewayornot。Otherchangeshadcometopasstoo。TheMajor，standingintheshadeofhisownapartment，couldmakeoutthatanairofgreatersmartnesshadrecentlycomeoverMissTox'shouse；thatanewcagewithgildedwireshadbeenprovidedfortheancientlittlecanarybird；thatdiversornaments，cutoutofcolouredcard-boardsandpaper，seemedtodecoratethechimney-pieceandtables；
thataplantortwohadsuddenlysprungupinthewindows；thatMissToxoccasionallypractisedontheharpsichord，whosegarlandofsweetpeaswasalwaysdisplayedostentatiously，crownedwiththeCopenhagenandBirdWaltzesinaMusicBookofMissTox'sowncopying。
Overandaboveallthis，MissToxhadlongbeendressedwithuncommoncareandeleganceinslightmourning。ButthishelpedtheMajoroutofhisdifficulty；andhedeterminedwithinhimselfthatshehadcomeintoasmalllegacy，andgrownproud。
Itwasontheverynextdayafterhehadeasedhismindbyarrivingatthisdecision，thattheMajor，sittingathisbreakfast，sawanapparitionsotremendousandwonderfulinMissTox'slittledrawing-room，thatheremainedforsometimerootedtohischair；then，rushingintothenextroom，returnedwithadouble-barrelledopera-glass，throughwhichhesurveyeditintentlyforsomeminutes。
`It'saBaby，Sir，'saidtheMajor，shuttinguptheglassagain，`forfiftythousandpounds！'
TheMajorcouldn'tforgetit。Hecoulddonothingbutwhistle，andstaretothatextent，thathiseyescomparedwithwhattheynowbecame，hadbeeninformertimesquitecavernousandsunken。Dayafterday，two，three，fourtimesaweek，thisBabyreappeared。TheMajorcontinuedtostareandwhistle。ToallotherintentsandpurposeshewasaloneinPrincess'sPlace。MissToxhasceasedtomindwhathedid。Hemighthavebeenblackaswellasblue，anditwouldhavebeenofnoconsequencetoher。
TheperseverancewithwhichshewalkedoutofPrincess'sPlacetofetchthisbabyanditsnurse，andwalkedbackwiththem，andwalkedhomewiththemagain，andcontinuallymountedguardoverthem；andtheperseverancewithwhichshenurseditherself，andfedit，andplayedwithit，andfrozeitsyoungbloodwithairsupontheharpsichord；wasextraordinary。
Ataboutthissameperiod，too，shewasseizedwithapassionforlookingatacertainbracelet；alsowithapassionforlookingatthemoon，ofwhichshewouldtakelongobservationsfromherchamberwindow。Butwhatevershelookedat；sun，moon，stars，orbracelet；shelookednomoreattheMajor。AndtheMajorwhistled，andstared，andwondered，anddodgedabouthisroom，andcouldmakenothingofit。
`You'llquitewinmybrotherPaul'sheart，andthat'sthetruth，mydear，'saidMrs。Chick，oneday。
MissToxturnedpale。
`HegrowsmorelikePauleveryday，'saidMrs。Chick。
MissToxreturnednootherreplythanbytakingthelittlePaulinherarms，andmakinghiscockadeperfectlyflatandlimpwithhercaresses。
`Hismother，mydear，'saidMissTox，`whoseacquaintanceIwastohavemadethroughyou，doesheatallresembleher？'
`Notatall，'returnedLouisa。
`Shewas——shewaspretty，Ibelieve？'falteredMissTox。
`Why，poordearFannywasinteresting，'saidMrs。Chick，aftersomejudicialconsideration。`Certainlyinteresting。Shehadnotthatairofcommandingsuperioritywhichonewouldsomehowexpect，almostasamatterofcourse，tofindinmybrother'swife；norhadshethatstrengthandvigourofmindwhichsuchamanrequires。'
MissToxheavedadeepsigh。
`Butshewaspleasing：'saidMrs。Chick：`extremelyso。Andshemeant！——oh，dear，howwellpoorFannymeant！'
`YouAngel！'criedMissToxtolittlePaul。`YoupictureofyouownPapa！'
IftheMajorcouldhaveknownhowmanyhopesandventures，whatamultitudeofplansandspeculations，restedonthatbabyhead；andcouldhaveseenthemhovering，inalltheirheterogeneousconfusionanddisorder，roundthepuckeredcapoftheunconsciouslittlePaul；hemighthavestaredindeed。Thenwouldhehaverecognised，amongthecrowd，somefewambitiousmotesandbeamsbelongingtoMissTox；thenwouldheperhapshaveunderstoodthenatureofthatlady'sfalteringinvestmentintheDombeyFirm。
Ifthechildhimselfcouldhaveawakenedinthenight，andseen，gatheredabouthiscradle-curtains，faintreflectionsofthedreamsthatotherpeoplehadofhim，theymighthavescaredhim，withgoodreason。
Butheslumberedon，alikeunconsciousofthekindintentionsofMissTox，thewonderoftheMajor，theearlysorrowsofhissister，andthesternvisionsofhisfather；andinnocentthatanyspotofearthcontainedaDombeyoraSon。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter8[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVIIIPaul'sfurtherProgress，Growth，andCharacterBENEATHthewatchingandattentiveeyesofTime——sofaranotherMajor——Paul'sslumbersgraduallychanged。Moreandmorelightbrokeinuponthem；distincteranddistincterdreamsdisturbedthem；anaccumulatingcrowdofobjectsandimpressionsswarmedabouthisrest；andsohepassedfrombabyhoodtochildhood，andbecameatalking，walking，wonderingDombey。
OnthedownfallandbanishmentofRichards，thenurserymaybesaidtohavebeenputintocommission：asaPublicDepartmentissometimes，whennoindividualAtlascanbefoundtosupportit。TheCommissionerswere，ofcourse，Mrs。ChickandMissTox：whodevotedthemselvestotheirdutieswithsuchastonishingardourthatMajorBagstockhadeverydaysomenewreminderofhisbeingforsaken，whileMr。Chick，bereftofdomesticsupervision，casthimselfuponthegayworld，dinedatclubsandcoffee-houses，smeltofsmokeonthreedifferentoccasions，wenttotheplaybyhimself，andinshort，loosened(asMrs。Chickoncetoldhim)everysocialbond，andmoralobligation。
Yet，inspiteofhisearlypromise，allthisvigilanceandcarecouldnotmakelittlePaulathrivingboy。Naturallydelicate，perhaps，hepinedandwastedafterthedismissalofhisnurse，and，foralongtime，seemedbuttowaithisopportunityofglidingthroughtheirhands，andseekinghislostmother。Thisdangerousgroundinhissteeple-chasetowardsmanhoodpassed，hestillfounditveryroughriding，andwasgrievouslybesetbyalltheobstaclesinhiscourse。Everytoothwasabreak-neckfence，andeverypimpleinthemeaslesastonewalltohim。Hewasdownineveryfitofthehooping-cough，androlleduponandcrushedbyawholefieldofsmalldiseases，thatcametroopingoneachother'sheelstopreventhisgettingupagain。Somebirdofpreygotintohisthroatinsteadofthethrush；andtheverychickensturningferocious——iftheyhaveanythingtodowiththatinfantmaladytowhichtheylendtheirname——worriedhimliketiger-cats。
ThechillofPaul'schristeninghadstruckhome，perhapstosomesensitivepartofhisnature，whichcouldnotrecoveritselfinthecoldshadeofhisfather；buthewasanunfortunatechildfromthatday。Mrs。
Wickamoftensaidsheneverseeadearsoputupon。
Mrs。Wickamwasawaiter'swife——whichwouldseemequivalenttobeinganyotherman'swidow——whoseapplicationforanengagementinMr。
Dombey'sservicehadbeenfavourablyconsidered，onaccountoftheapparentimpossibilityofherhavinganyfollowers，oranyonetofollow；andwho，fromwithinadayortwoofPaul'ssharpweaning，hadbeenengagedashisnurse。Mrs。Wickamwasameekwoman，ofafaircomplexion，withhereyebrowsalwayselevated，andherheadalwaysdrooping；whowasalwaysreadytopityherself，ortobepitied，ortopityanybodyelse；andwhohadasurprisingnaturalgiftofviewingallsubjectsinanutterlyforlornandpitiablelight，andbringingdreadfulprecedentstobearuponthem，andderivingthegreatestconsolationfromtheexerciseofthattalent。
Itishardlynecessarytoobserve，thatnotouchofthisqualityeverreachedthemagnificentknowledgeofMr。Dombey。Itwouldhavebeenremarkable，indeed，ifanyhad；whennooneinthehouse——notevenMrs。
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